Running above the ceiling
Quick footsteps or scratching in the attic or porch roof after dark. Roof rats are most active a few hours after sunset.
Your local Key West rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Key West, FL
Hearing scratching in the ceiling of your Old Town conch house, or droppings in a Stock Island boatyard? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Key West homes, guesthouses and businesses, from the 100-year-old wood-frame houses of Old Town and Bahama Village to the elevated newer construction in New Town and Casa Marina. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5327 customer reviews
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Key West.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Key West
Why Key West Has a Year-Round Rodent Problem
Key West sits at the southernmost point of the continental United States, a small island about 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, surrounded by water on every side. That water, combined with a warm climate that almost never drops below 60 degrees, means rodents in Key West never have a true off season.
Old Town and Bahama Village hold some of the oldest wood-frame houses in Florida, many built between 1886 and 1912 with peaked metal roofs and covered porches. Roof rats travel along trees, fences and power lines, then drop onto these old roofs and get in through gaps at the eaves, roof edges and attic vents that have opened up over a century of weather.
New Town, Casa Marina and Truman Annex have newer, often elevated construction built to handle storm surge and flooding. Rats and mice still get into the space under a raised house, into garages, and along seawalls, docks and marinas around the island. Norway rats in particular stay close to water, and Key West has water on all 4 sides, so we inspect every property as its own job.
Services available in Key West
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Key West
Most Key West jobs combine a few of these: an inspection, sealing, trapping and cleanup. Choose a service to learn more, or call and we will tell you what your property needs.
Residential Rodent ControlAttic, crawl space and elevated-home rat removal for Key West houses, from historic Old Town cottages to raised homes in New Town.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and bars on Duval Street, guesthouses, hotels and shops around the island.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use around the property and checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall, porch ceiling or under a raised house? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics and porches, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and follow product labels around guests, kids and pets.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal eaves, roof vents, pier and skirting gaps and garage corners with metal and mortar so rats cannot get back in.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalCareful cleanup of droppings with disinfectant, never sweeping or vacuuming, which can spread germs.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingDoor sweeps, vent screens, pier and skirting sealing and tree trimming advice for Key West properties.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Key West Home
Rodents move at night, so most Key West homeowners find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings under the house or in the garage
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice.
Chewed wires or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, AC insulation and pool or dock equipment lines. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Half-eaten fruit in the yard
Hollowed key limes, mangoes or coconuts still on the tree or on the ground are a classic roof rat sign in Key West yards.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, porch ceilings and the attic hatch.
Pets acting strange
Dogs or cats staring at a wall, sniffing under a raised house or pawing at a cabinet often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Key West Home?
Roof rats cause most attic and roofline calls in Key West, Norway rats show up along seawalls, docks and marinas, and house mice get into kitchens, pantries and guesthouse units. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces, trees and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows under piers, sheds, seawalls and docks
- Droppings
- About 3/4 inch, blunt ends
House Mouse
Mus musculus- Size
- About 1/2 ounce
- Tail
- About as long as its body
- Nests
- Inside walls, cabinets, appliances and furniture
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Key West starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them.
- Roofline, eaves, fascia gaps and roof vents
- Attic insulation for nests, trails and droppings
- Skirting and piers under elevated homes
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Garage and shed door seals
- Seawalls, docks and boat storage areas
- Food sources: garbage, pet food and fallen fruit
- Signs of activity: droppings, grease rub marks and gnawing
Our Exclusion-First Plan
Trapping alone does not fix the problem if the openings stay open. We close the way in first, then remove the rodents already inside.
- Find every entry pointA rat can fit through a 1/2 inch gap and a mouse through a 1/4 inch gap, so we check all openings that size.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or mortar. Rodents chew through foam and plastic.
- Trap and removeTraps are set where activity is highest and checked on follow-up visits.
- Clean up and preventWe remove droppings and nesting material and show you what to change to keep rodents out.
Health Risks From Rodents
The CDC links rats and mice to several diseases. People can get sick from contact with droppings, urine or saliva, from bites, or from breathing dust from contaminated areas.
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings. It can put germs in the air.
- Air out the area for 30 minutes and wear rubber or plastic gloves.
- Spray with disinfectant or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and let it soak 5 minutes.
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the waste in a covered trash can.
Source: CDC rodent control and cleanup guidance.
FDACS
Florida Licensing: What to Check
In Florida, pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. Rodent work falls under the General Household Pest and rodent control category.
- Ask any company for its FDACS business license number before work starts
- Look the license up on the FDACS website
- Make sure the company carries liability insurance
- Get the treatment plan and follow-up schedule in writing
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Key West Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the pilings underneath. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a 1900s wood-frame conch house and a newer elevated home have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Eave and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Metal roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches and power lines touching the roof
Ground level, piers and dock
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage and shed door corners and bottom seals
- Skirting and piers under elevated homes
- Seawalls, docks, boat storage and marina slips
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Pool equipment and screen enclosure gaps
A rat can squeeze through a gap about 1/2 inch wide, and a mouse through about 1/4 inch.
Our process
How We Get Rats Out of Key West Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so the rats do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property, check the attic or crawl space and mark every entry point and sign of activity.
- 2
Seal
Openings are closed with metal flashing, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, mesh and mortar. We do not rely on foam.
- 3
Trap
Traps go on the paths rats use. We check them on return visits and remove what we catch.
- 4
Clean
Droppings and nests are removed and the area is disinfected. We tell you if insulation needs replacing.
- 5
Confirm
We come back until there are no new signs, then give you simple tips to keep it that way.
The number of visits depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Health and safety
Why Rodents in the Home Are a Health Risk
According to the CDC, rats and mice can spread disease through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites. These are the main concerns.
Hantavirus
Can spread when dust from dried droppings or urine is stirred up and breathed in. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Standing water after heavy rain or storm surge can be a concern.
Salmonellosis
Food and counters touched by rodents or their droppings can carry salmonella bacteria.
Rat-bite fever
Spread by bites or scratches, or by handling rodents. Always use gloves or tools, never bare hands.
Fleas and mites
Rodents carry fleas and mites that can move to pets and people after the rodents are gone.
Fire and water damage
Chewed wires can start fires, and chewed water or AC lines can cause leaks inside walls.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Key West Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison on the porch is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls or under the house, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap indoors instead.
- Myth: Only old homes in Old Town get rats
- Fact: Newer elevated homes in New Town and Casa Marina get rats too. Rats come for shelter and water, not just old wood.
- Myth: Steel wool or foam will seal the hole
- Fact: Rats can pull out steel wool and chew through foam. Openings need metal, hardware cloth or mortar.
- Myth: Being surrounded by ocean keeps rats away
- Fact: Being on an island does not stop rodents. Docks, seawalls and boats give Norway rats plenty of places to live.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the attic or crawl space. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time, especially in a busy guesthouse or rental.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic or under an elevated house are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rats but leave the openings in place, so new rats move in from nearby trees, docks and neighboring properties.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate under a raised home | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats under a piling or skirting | Crawl space is hard to reach and seal | Skirting and pier sealing with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Key West
Rodent Control for Key West Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Key West
From wood-frame houses in Old Town and Bahama Village that date back to the 1880s, to elevated newer homes in New Town, Casa Marina and The Meadows, each Key West property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, skirting, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check eaves, vents and roof edges, then walk you through what we found.
Rodent-proof sealing
Openings are closed with metal flashing, hardware cloth and mortar, not foam alone.
Trapping inside the home
Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents under the house and keeps bait away from kids and pets.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation should be replaced.
- Historic wood-frame homes
- Elevated homes
- Waterfront properties
- Guesthouses and rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Key West
Restaurants and bars on Duval Street, hotels and guesthouses across Old Town and Truman Annex, and shops that see heavy foot traffic from cruise ship passengers deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that open all day. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Restaurants and bars
- Hotels and guesthouses
- Retail shops
- Marinas and boatyards
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your business hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a manager or inspector.
Door and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at delivery entrances and walls closed with rodent-proof materials.
Trash and storage advice
Simple changes to dumpster areas and dry storage that make your site less attractive to rats.
How Key West properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Key West Property
Key West has homes from the 1880s alongside newer elevated construction and waterfront docks. The way a property is built and where it sits tells us where to look first.
Historic wood-frame homes: Old Town and Bahama Village
- Many conch houses date from 1886 to 1912, with peaked metal roofs and covered porches
- Gaps at old eaves, attic vents and roof edges that have opened up over decades
- Skirting and pier gaps on raised sections of older homes
- Trees and fences that give rats a path to the roof
- Shared walls and tight lot lines between historic buildings
Newer elevated homes: New Town, Casa Marina and Truman Annex
- Elevated construction built for storm surge, with open space and skirting underneath
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through walls
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Docks, seawalls and marina slips nearby that draw Norway rats
- Landscaping and dense hedges used as cover close to the house
Rentals and guesthouses
Rodent Control for Key West Vacation Rentals and Guesthouses
A large share of Key West housing is short-term vacation rentals, guesthouses and long-term rental units. Rodent activity in a rental affects guests, reviews and repeat bookings, so property managers usually want it handled fast and documented.
Vacation rentals and guesthouses
- Fast scheduling around guest check-in and check-out times
- Discreet service that does not disrupt guests on-site
- Sealing done between bookings whenever possible
- Written summary you can share with a property management company or owner
Long-term rental property managers
- One point of contact for multiple units or addresses
- Documentation for lease and habitability records
- Advice on exclusion work when a unit turns over between tenants
- Follow-up visits scheduled around tenant availability
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Key West, Area by Area
Key West is a small island, but conditions still change block by block. Here is what we usually check first in each area.
Old Town and Bahama Village
Home to many of the island’s original wood-frame conch houses, some dating to the 1880s. Rats nest in old attics and under raised porches. We seal eaves, vents and skirting.
Duval Street and the Historic Seaport
Restaurants, bars and shops packed close together with heavy foot traffic and shared dumpsters. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Truman Annex and the waterfront
Homes and condos near the deep natural harbor, marinas and cruise port. Norway rats burrow near seawalls and docks, and boats and gear give them cover.
New Town, Casa Marina and The Meadows
Newer, often elevated homes and condo buildings. Skirting gaps, AC line openings and screen enclosures are the usual entry points here.
Stock Island
Just north of Key West, home to commercial fishing docks, boatyards and marinas. Norway rats are common around bait, fish scraps and dockside storage.
Near the Southernmost Point and Hemingway House
Dense historic blocks near the island’s biggest tourist draws. Old garden walls, banyan trees and tight lot lines give rodents easy cover close to homes and businesses.
Key West through the year
How Key West Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Key West has a tropical climate that rarely sees temperatures above 95 degrees or below 60. It is also the driest city in Florida, with about 40 inches of rain a year, mostly falling in the wetter months. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Wetter summer months
Heavier rain from May through October raises water levels around seawalls and low-lying yards, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and the space under raised homes.
Tip: Keep garage and shed doors closed and clear stored items off the ground.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys in 2017, and Hurricane Wilma affected the island in 2005. Storm surge on a low island like Key West can push rats out of low ground and toward homes, and wind damage can open new gaps in roofs and eaves.
Tip: After any storm, walk around the house and check the roofline and skirting.
Peak tourist season, December to April
Key West’s busiest months bring more restaurant deliveries, fuller dumpsters and constant guesthouse turnover, all of which give rodents more food and cover if trash and storage are not managed closely.
Tip: Keep dumpster lids closed and schedule pickups often during busy months.
Mild winter nights
Even Key West’s coolest nights rarely drop below the 60s, so rats do not slow down looking for warmth the way they do farther north. Attics and porch spaces still draw them in on breezy nights.
Tip: Check vents and eaves each fall before the cooler, windier months.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Key West Property
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof and porch
- Pick up fallen key limes, mangoes and coconuts daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and the space under a raised home free of clutter
- Store boat gear, coolers and dock lines off the ground
- Close garage and shed doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the home
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins in storage areas, not cardboard
- Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
- Check the attic or porch ceiling every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Key West
Key West is not one kind of property. What we do at a historic wood-frame home in Old Town is different from what we do at a dock in Stock Island.
Rats in Old Roof and Attic Gaps
Conch houses built between 1886 and 1912 have peaked metal roofs, covered porches and decades of small gaps at the eaves and vents that rats can widen over time.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline and attic, seal openings with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside until activity stops.
Skirting and AC Line Gaps
Newer elevated homes still get rats through skirting gaps, garage doors and openings where AC lines and plumbing pass through exterior walls.
Our approach: We check the skirting and garage first, then seal the openings we find with metal and hardware cloth.
Norway Rats Near Docks and Water
Norway rats gather along seawalls, docks and boatyards where food scraps, bait and storage give them cover close to the water.
Our approach: We inspect the dock or shoreline area, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family or guests safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows and let the area air out for 30 minutes
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray with disinfectant or a bleach solution and let it soak 5 minutes
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the trash
- For attics, crawl spaces or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Key West response zone
Key West service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Key West uses 3 ZIP codes. We cover the whole island and nearby Stock Island. Call if you do not see yours.
330403304133045
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Old Town · Bahama Village · New Town · Casa Marina · The Meadows · Truman Annex · Stock Island
Reviews from Key West customers
Customer Reviews from Key West
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at our Old Town guesthouse. They were prompt and thorough, and we haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Key West, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled our rodent issue quickly. We appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up service they provided.”
SM
Sarah M.Key West, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered effective solutions for our rodent problem.”
TL
Tom L.Key West, FL
Verified Key West rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Key West Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most properties need a first visit for the inspection and sealing, then follow-up visits over the next few weeks to check traps. The exact number depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Many conch houses in Old Town and Bahama Village were built between 1886 and 1912 with peaked metal roofs and covered porches. Decades of settling and weather open small gaps at the eaves and vents that give rats an easy way in. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls, ceilings or under a raised home where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell. Trapping indoors and sealing the openings works better.
Yes. We work around guest check-in and check-out times where possible and can provide a written summary for the property owner or management company.
It can. Storm surge on a low island can push rats out of low ground and toward homes, and wind damage can open new gaps in roofs and eaves. Hurricane Irma affected the Florida Keys in 2017. If your property had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline and skirting checked.
The CDC advises not to sweep or vacuum droppings. Air out the area, wear gloves, spray the droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak for 5 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels. For attics or large amounts, call us.
Pest control businesses in Florida are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can look up a license on the FDACS website before you hire anyone.
Yes. We also serve Key Largo, Florida City, Homestead and Leisure City. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Key West
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Key West
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Key West dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Key West Home or Business?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Key West service
Give us a call. We’ll handle the next step.
Call us, tell us what you are seeing and where you are located, and our team will confirm the right appointment type and timing.
Serving Key WestKey West, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
